Having shielded from the COVID 19 virus for over a year, many local residents will have likely lost confidence, mobility and experience anxiety about the prospect of going outdoors. The Buddy Project aims to enable local residents to regain their confidence and independence through buddying roles. The project will also seek to address issues of loneliness and isolation by supporting local residents to become more connected to their local community.

The Good Neighbours Buddy Project will be delivered in collaboration with First Contact Clinical, and Care and Connect. By working in partnership, individuals will benefit from more holistic support:

  • Community Link workers from FCC can support individuals before, during and after buddy intervention by offering coaching interventions, developing coping mechanisms and identifying personal goals. 
  • Care and Connect can assist with signposting and advice.
  • Good Neighbour Buddy Volunteers will provide practical support with getting back out into the community on a short–term basis (six – ten weeks depending on level of need).

Buddy volunteer support will comprise of three key roles:

  • Shopping buddies to accompany residents in shopping for essential food supplies. 
  • Walking buddies to enable residents to build strength and confidence in getting out and about.
  • Community buddies to assist people in getting involved in community activities such as the gym/coffee mornings.

Start date and referral process

Referrals for the scheme will open from 12 April 2021.

To make a referral, please contact one of the following organisations:

First Contact Clinical (Social Prescribing Service) 

T: 0191 4324829

E: [email protected]

Care and Connect

T: 0191 6437474

E: care&[email protected]